SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking staff to provide supervised care and engagement for students in 1:1 and small-group settings, following IEPs and the Discovery Link schedule. You will plan active, inclusive activities and supervise across all program areas to ensure safety and progress.

Responsibilities include maintaining schedules, upholding licensing standards, and documenting incidents. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and live in Colorado, with a commitment to reliability

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with students, families and staff.
• Ability to supervise and support students in 1:1 and group settings.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent care, support, supervision, and curriculum activities for students in 1:1 and small-group settings in accordance with IEPs and the daily Discovery Link schedule.
• Plan and implement engaging stationary and movement-based activities, including outdoor games and recreational programs.
• Maintain active supervision of students across program areas, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
• Review daily schedules, staffing assignments, and supervision expectations to ensure effective operations.
• Adhere to all policies, licensing regulations, and staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Support positive student behavior and uphold district expectations with consistent behavior management.
• Complete required accident reports and operational records promptly.
• Maintain punctual, reliable work schedule and participate in site-specific camps and substitute assignments.
• Prepare, maintain, and restore program spaces to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Foster professional relationships with families, staff, and community partners; refer questions to supervisors as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

About This Job

Support a safe, positive, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes the optimal growth, development, and success of children. Build and maintain strong relationships with students, families, staff, visitors, and community members through effective communication, professionalism, and positive interactions. Provide appropriate supervision and an organized, orderly learning environment that supports student well-being and achievement. Uphold, interpret, and communicate the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the district while helping ensure compliance with established standards and expectations.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Hourly pay rate: $22.50
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement .

What You'll Do

• Provide independent care, support, supervision, and curriculum activities for students in 1:1 and small-group settings in accordance with Individual Education Plans (IEP's), and the daily Discovery Link schedule
• Plan and implement engaging stationary and movement based activities, including outdoor games and recreational programs, aligned with student needs and program requirements
• Maintain active supervision of students in all program areas, ensuring safety, accurate student tracking, and compliance with Discovery Link, Extended Learning and Community School (ELCS), licensing, and district requirements
• Review daily schedules, staffing assignments, and supervision expectations to ensure effective program operations and student support
• Follow all Discovery Link, ELCS, Colorado Department of Human Services, district policies, and licensing regulations, including maintaining required staff-to-child ratios at all times
• Support positive student behavior and uphold district expectations by implementing behavior management practices consistent with the district Behavior Matrix
• Complete required accident reports, incident documentation, and other operational records accurately and promptly, with supervisor support as needed
• Maintain a punctual, reliable work schedule, including participation in site-specific camps, district break camps, and substitute assignments across program sites as requested
• Prepare, maintain, and restore program spaces, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with housekeeping and safety standards
• Foster positive, professional relationships with families, Discovery Link staff, school personnel, and community partners; provide operational information as appropriate and refer questions or concerns to supervisors when necessary
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have at least three (3) months (455 hours) of full-time or equivalent part-time satisfactory and verifiable experience with school-age children.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.